What is the operational difference between Compact Digicams and Digital SLR cameras?

I have both types of cameras and the compact camera is far easier to travel with and pull out quickly. The digital SLR is much better for taking high-quality shots, particularly when you want to use different exposures and lens settings. Some of these adjustments are possible with a compact camera but it is not as easy, and it doesn't give as high-quality a shot as the SLR.

I use both cameras all the time but take only the compact camera with me when I travel. I write magazine articles and take pictures to illustrate the articles, and the SLR works best for this.

The bottom line is that a compact camera is small, lightweight and easy to carry, but compromises on picture quality. An SLR is big, bulky and heavy, but makes better pictures. Take your pick!

A single lens reflex (SLR) camera has a much larger image sensor, has interchangable lenses, better image quality, and costs alot more. Since an SLR allows you to view your subject DIRECTLY through the lens, you see exactly what the camera sees (compact digital cameras have a separate lens and viewfinder, which are slightly offset). You can get great pictures from a compact digital camera, but you're limited to the lens that's built-in, and you will not have the same depth of field. An SLR is what a professional photographer would be using.

I still use my 35mm SLR camera because the digital versions are too expensive right now, at least for my budget.